WHAT IS THE DISRUPTIVE DESIGN METHOd?

THE METHOD

The Disruptive Design Method is an approach to understandings, evolving and solving complex problems. It employs systems thinking, sustainability, cognitive and behavioral sciences along with ideation and design thinking to create activated approaches for making a positive impact on the planet.

Developed by the Disrupt Design founder, Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, the applied method involves three key phases: Mining, Landscaping and Building. Combined, these are used as approaches for inquiry, discovery, and development, in addressing complex real-world problems. The method is based off a more in-depth 12-part methodology of several change-making, creative and science disciplines.

WE HAVE USED AND TAUGHT THE DISRUPTIVE DESIGN METHOD FOR CHANGE MAKING TO OVER 10,000 PEOPLE

THESE SKILLS ARE BUILT USING THE DISRUPT DESIGN CAPACITY TOOLS OF MINING, LANDSCAPING & BUILDING

THE MENTAL TOOLSETDevelop critical thinking and doing skills and tools for activating change through your own practice.

SYSTEMS THINKINGDevelop your ability to understand and explore the dynamic systems at play around us, seeing how they interconnect and influence the larger wholes.

CREATIVE INTERVENTIONSDevelop creative interventions for personalized practices in dynamically designing and intervening in systems for positive social change.

REFLEXIVITYDevelop reflexive thinking to build your innate ability to think through the circular relationships between cause and effect and help build creative autonomy.

CRITICAL ANALYSISDevelop critical analysis skills for clear and rational thinking to intellectually evaluate and synthesize information through observation, experience, reflection, and reasoning, all of which guide belief and action.

THE METHODOLOGY

THE 12 PARTs of the DISRUPT DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Underpinning the three-part MLB method is our 12-part methodology. While a “method” is the particular way for approaching something, a “methodology” is the system of methods that are used. Anyone can use our method and methodology to make positive world change, and we have developed training and resources to do so.

PART 1: SUSTAINABILITYWe explore approaches to integrating sustainability into decision making, and tools such as life cycle thinking, to help understand environmental and social impact.

PART 2: SYSTEMS THINKINGDevelop methods and approaches needed to identify and map relationships and system dynamics. Explore major systems at play: social, industrial and ecological. See how they play out in a variety of different problem arenas.

PART 3: MAKING CHANGEExplore the contemporary theories of how change happens, and the modes in which one can intervene in change. Learn how to critically evaluate the ways change happens on a macro and micro level.

PART 4: RESEARCH STRATEGIESCritically investigate approaches to conducting research and collecting information for greater insight. We learn that research is experimentation in action. Apply action research and responsive feedback loops to develop creative solutions.

PART 5: GAMIFICATION + GAME THEORYUnpack the modes in which play and game theory affect and motivate action. Look at the bigger picture of games and gamification and ways in they can be used to effect change, unpacking intrinsic motivators such as pleasure, success and challenge.

PART 7: ETHICS + EMPATHYExplore the physiological and social experiences of empathy, and how one can employ empathetic approaches to design. The critical role of ethics in the decision making and action is also explored.

PART 8: LANGUAGE, INFLUENCE + EFFECTExplore systems of language, the history of framing, moral panics and discourse, semantics and semiotics. Gain an understanding of the social construction of influential communication, and how to apply tactics to shift behaviors towards sustainable practices.

PART 9: SYSTEMS INTERVENTIONSThe synthesis of all the components come together. Here we identify and build systems interventions, and design the vehicles in which these interventions can exist. Discover how to use a Theory of Change to plan out tactical interventions.

PART 10: IDEATION + PROTOTYPINGLearn our rules of ideation and rapid creative development. Test ways of translating ideas into outcomes through prototyping in a variety of forms and formats.

PART 11: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN + PRODUCTIONImplement eco-design and sustainable production practices in your work. Think through production and project evolution to build more sustainable solutions into the design of products, systems and services.

PART 12: PROJECT ACTIVATION + AMPLIFICATIONImplementation, amplification and activation. Explore ways of putting things into the world, considering how they may evolve and develop contingency plans that allow for flexible, rapid adaptation.